Quebec
Old-world charm abounds in Québec through the magical streets of Montréal and Québec City along the mighty St. Lawrence River, but Canada’s largest province holds much more in store with Northern Lights in the Far North, quaint villages in the Eastern Townships, popular ski mountains, and dramatic falls. A mix of European culture and new-world cool, Montréal shines with inventive gastronomy, iconic music and art, trend-setting fashion, spectacular events, and an overall zest for enjoying life. Québec City is a centerpiece of French culture and history, embraced by centuries-old fortifications and a charming historic district — a UNESCO World Heritage Site of ramparts, churches, terrace restaurants and well-trod cobblestone streets.
Montreal
This is a city with a French-inspired joie de vivre and cosmopolitan dynamism from which has emerged a flourishing arts scene, a number of excellent boutique hotels, superb eateries at the Plateau and a cool Parisian vibe that pervades every terrasse in the Quartier Latin.
Visit the Notre Dame Basilica to see intricate stained glass windows, hand-carved sculptures and grand wooden panelling, explore the Old City with its charming shops and historic buildings, and hear street musicians at Place Jacques-Cartier, with its lively cafes. Admire the winding staircases, ornate wrought-iron balconies and pointy Victorian roofs in the arty and lively Plateau area, and browse the food markets for juices, crepes, baguettes and speciality food stalls.
A guided walking or cycling tour is recommended to really get a feel for the history of the city and how the cultural quarters have developed.
Quebec City
Best explored on foot, Quebec’s various neighbourhoods have distinctive charms. The many excellent museums and restaurants in the Old Upper Town are worth seeking out, whilst Old Lower Town is a labyrinth of streets filled with performers and cozy inns. The St Jean-Baptiste area is the epicentre of a vibrant nightlife.
Take a stroll along the Terrasse Dufferin, with fabulous sweeping views and street performers. A bus tour or horse driven coach tour will allow you to sit back and watch the sights go by.
Quebec City’s restaurant scene excels at classic French food, with café-bakeries, wine and cheese bars, and Parisian style bistros offering gastronomic delights.
Charlevoix, Saguenay & South Shore
Visit the outdoor playground that is Charlevoix in summer, and visitors are rewarded with a brilliant blue sky matched by the deep azure of the St Lawrence river, whilst the hills, lined with hiking trails, are carpeted in green. Visit in the Fall, and the colourful foliage shines bright with orange, red and brown hues.
Take one of the excellent hiking trails in Baie St Paul’s Parc National des Grands Jardins, where eyou might spot caribou, or take a sea kayaking tour on the river. In Tadoussac, take a Zodiac trip out on a whale watching trip, go sea kayaking or explore the fjord by boat. The Parc National du Fjord-du-Saguenay has over 100km of splendid hiking trails, views down the fjord and short trails with great viewpoints for spotting whales from the shore. Lac St Jean’s huge lake is used for watersports including kayaking, SUP, sailing, with trails for hiking.
Photo credits: Destination Canada
